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Question

Which one of the following is an ethnic community of Assam? 

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

Ahom

Identifying Ethnic Communities of Assam

The question asks us to identify which of the given options represents an ethnic community primarily associated with Assam.

Understanding the geographical distribution and historical association of each community is key to answering this question correctly.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at each option provided:

  • Bhil: The Bhil people are a large tribal group found predominantly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra in India. They are not primarily associated with Assam.
  • Gond: The Gond people are one of the largest indigenous communities in India, residing primarily in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. They are not primarily associated with Assam.
  • Ahom: The Ahom people are an ethnic group indigenous to the state of Assam in India. They established a powerful kingdom in medieval Assam that lasted for six centuries.
  • Adi: The Adi people are a major tribal group of Arunachal Pradesh, a state in Northeast India bordering Assam. While they are in the same region, their primary historical homeland is Arunachal Pradesh, not Assam, although some interaction and presence might exist near borders.

Detailed Explanation: The Ahom Community of Assam

The Ahom community has a deep historical and cultural connection with Assam. They migrated from present-day Thailand/Yunnan (China) in the 13th century and founded the Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam until the 19th century. Their rule significantly shaped the history, culture, and identity of Assam. They are considered a significant ethnic group within the diverse population of Assam today.

Comparing the Communities

To further clarify, let's compare the primary regions associated with each community:

Community Primary Region(s) in India
Bhil Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra
Gond Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, etc. (Central India)
Ahom Assam (Northeast India)
Adi Arunachal Pradesh (Northeast India)

Based on the primary association, the Ahom community is the one that is an ethnic community of Assam among the given options.

Revision Table: Key Ethnic Groups and Regions

Ethnic Group Major Association Region in India
Bhil Indigenous tribe Western and Central India
Gond Indigenous tribe Central India
Ahom Historical ruling community Assam (Northeast India)
Adi Indigenous tribe Arunachal Pradesh (Northeast India)

Additional Information on Ethnic Groups of Northeast India

Northeast India is home to a large number of diverse ethnic and tribal communities. Each state in the region has its unique set of groups with distinct cultures, languages, and histories.

  • Assam has a mix of indigenous communities, including Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Rabha, Sonowal Kachari, Tiwa (Lalung), Deori, besides larger groups like the Assamese (which includes many communities like Ahom) and Bengali-speaking populations.
  • Arunachal Pradesh is particularly diverse with major tribes like Adi, Nishi, Galo, Tagin, Apatani, Mishmi, Wancho, Nocte, Tangsa, etc.
  • Understanding the ethnic landscape of different Indian states is important for geography and social studies examinations.
  • The Ahom kingdom's history is a significant part of Assam's heritage and is often studied in the context of regional history.
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